• IL DAVIDEItalian A large selection of both Italian and Californiawines by the glass, along with the tiramisu, have kept locals comingback for years. Don’t leave without sampling the limoncello. 901 ASt, 415.454.8080, ildavide.netAN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AND GOOD FOOD IN THE BAY AREA EDITED BY MIMI TOWLEDineCORTE MADERABENISSIMOItalian

“Benissimo” means
“really, really good”
in Italian. Aside from
the daily 4 to 6: 30
p.m. happy hour, when
drinks are $3 to $5
and small plates $5
to $7, the menu offers
a large selection of
pizza, pasta and large
plates, like grilled
pork loin and pollo alla
marsala.
18 Tamalpais
Dr, 415.927.2316,
benissimos.com

BEST LIL’ PORKHOUSE

American For a selection of fried appetizers,
ribs, sliders and barbecue sauce, head to this
authentic barbecue
joint. The bar area
boasts a pool table and
several televisions perfect for entertaining the
family while you chow
down on Texas-style
barbecue.
60 Madera
Blvd, 415.927.7427,
bestlilporkhouse.com

BRICK & BOT TLE

California From private parties to catered
events, chef Bob
Simontacchi’s menu
offers seasonal selections made with local
ingredients. Enjoy
signature dishes like
orzo mac ‘n’ cheese
with smoked Gouda
and local favorites like
saffron fettucine and
tomato braised short
ribs. The restaurant
also hosts one of the
best happy hours in
town.
55 Tamal Vista
Blvd, 415.924.3366,
brickandbottle.com

IL FORNAIOItalian
Sausalito’s Larry Mindel
hit a home run with
this upscale Italian
restaurant franchise.

Aside from the pizzas
and pastas, the menu
offers a variety of salads
and carb-free entrées.

223 Corte Madera Town
Ctr, 415.927.4400,
ilfornaio.com

MARIN JOE’SItalian
This Marin mainstay
has been around for
over 50 years. Choose
from a menu of soups,
salads, seafood, mes-quite-grilled or sautéed
meats and a plethora of
pasta options guaranteed to satisfy. For a fun
addition to your dining experience, order
the Caesar salad — the
server will prepare
the dressing at your
table. Not looking for
a meal? Enjoy a drink
and hear local musicians at the well-known
piano bar. 1585 Casa
Buena Dr, 415.924.2081,
marinjoesrestaurant.com

PIG IN A PICKLE

Barbecue/American

Fresh, local ingredients
and the highest quality brisket, pork, ribs
and chicken comprise
the menu of this Town
Center eatery. Sauces
are crafted to represent the best American
barbecue regions, from
Memphis to South
Carolina. House made
pickles, buns and sausages will keep you
coming back. 341 Corte
Madera Town Center,
415.717.7093, pigin
apicklebbq.com